The delay proved more than the calm he was holding could endure. When Nigredo finally approached, it was an act of will alone that allowed him not to leap up and guide Nigredo to a seat. Instead he only asked, "Sit down?" {Rest? Please.}

They had come far from the time they had entered this place-- A bit over a month ago? Was that all it had been? Some days it felt like years, and today more than all. Albedo would kill for Nigredo, had killed for him, and would happily do so again. Again and again, it seemed. This place wanted Nigredo's death or Albedo's victims, and so the boy would pile the bodies high.

Violet flashed in his eyes, but he wasn't aware of it. "Nigredo, do you love me?"